Airbnb's you can elope at in Australia
As an elopement photographer, I've had the absolute honour of photographing some incredible Airbnb elopements and had to write this blog post to help anyone looking for a unique Airbnb to elope at in Australia.
If you are already thinking of eloping, hiring an Airbnb can seriously up-level your experience to something pretty special and one of a kind. Not only are you going to have somewhere totally different to everyone else, it will probably be able to fit all of your guests in one place. You will be able to have your elopement ceremony and reception location all in one and you automatically have an indoor backup if the weather decides to go left field on your day! Because you aren't spending all your money on a big wedding venue, you can splurge on other things like maybe a private chef for all of the celebrations or to be able to book the photographer you've been dreaming of.
I'll be outlining a few Airbnb's you can elope at, in Australia. There are a number of factors I look at when trying to figure out if a space would be a good fit for an elopement and I will outline them briefly below so you can also begin to understand and look out for these key points during your search for the perfect place!
1. Light
Natural light is great to look out for. Not only does it create an inviting atmosphere, your photos will thrive because of it. Natural light helps cast out unnatural colours from artificial lights such as lamps etc and creates a beautiful canvas that highlights your love and any effort you've put into creating a beautiful space.
2. Location
Pick something that has a view and is an area you can explore before or after your ceremony. Check in to see if it is located to things that are important to you (maybe restaurants, hiking trails, grocery stores) and make sure you know how much space on the property you have to use and if there will be enough parking for everyone (encourage those few coming to carpool, also helps the earth)
3. Event Policy
Before confirming your booking ensure your Airbnb host allows events. It also can't ever hurt to check in and ask if you explain the scale of your 'event.' Most hosts do this to protect themselves from parties that could damage their property or cause disruption to their neighbours (so more secluded, the better). It's always worth checking in - I've found that being honest and upfront is always best and also having a good history with other hosts that show up in your public profile - this helps build trust and may potentially allow them to use their home for your elopement as they can see you are someone who will take care of their property. Some Airbnbs will allow elopements, but might charge a fee! So another reason to check in - just in case. If you don't ask, you won't know!
4. Do they check your boxes?
Can you imaging the home fitting into the vision for your elopement (or can you create the vibe). Do their reviews and images give you a good overall idea that you know exactly what you will be walking into? and do they accomodate for things like pets if you are planning on bringing any along? Picking something that aligns with your values and is styled in a way that coordinates with your elopement day look will help you have a day that honestly reflects you.
Top Picks
Tasmania
A waterfront cottage hosted in the beauty of Tasmania. A restored cabin overflowing with small touches and thoughtful styling. With antique windows that overlook a small jetty, this place makes you feel all kinds of nostalgia. It can be used for your entire elopement, or just for part. Make sure you spend a few days here loved up after you get hitched, this place is known to hold such beauty in your memories even long after you leave.
Access Captains Rest, here.
Image via 1924us
Nestled in nook between the Southern Highlands and the South Coast, A-Frame Kangaroo Valley boasts a sustainable design that isn't found anywhere else in Australia. Owned by wedding magazine creators at Hello May, it is built so you can find a place to rest, reflect and connect with nature. It is open to 6 eloping couples per year, and you can find an elopement package on their website.
You can access Aframe, here.
Image via A Frame Kangaroo Valley
Tasmania
Tahlia Haven is set on your own private peninsula of 130 acres, overlooking Oyster bay. Full of ancient stone bedrooms and a sustainable forefront, Tahlia Haven boasts an almost magical aura to set your elopement. Boasting multiple vantage points for your ceremony, alongside your own private beach for those golden hour portraits, you can also have six of your closest friends (if you wish) join you on your love adventure.
Access Tahlia Haven, here.
Image Via Honeyfig & By The Wilde
Jump to state:
Victoria
The Grampians has a special place in my heart for elopements, and I couldn't recommend this cottage anymore for your intimate affair. Nestled amongst the mountains, it boats a homey feel that will encompass warmth on your day. If you want to get an idea of what a Grampians elopement day looks like, you can check out this blog post from Nick & Eden's day.
I hope these elopement pictures speak for themselves. Using the indoor space for an intimate elopement dinner, this space oozed warmth and comfort. With every little amenity you could think of, the hosts were gracious and caring in every way, shape and form. The space was perfect for images and to also wind down after a long elopement day.
If you are a stranger to Victoria, Inverloch is one of those places that you walk away feeling stronger in your bones and sweeter in step. It has a calamity like being far away from civilisation, yet close to a beautiful town centre filled with shops, cafes and restaurants. It is just a drive away from Wilsons Prom and Phillip Island, both beautiful lcoations you could use during your elopement.
I have an entire blog post dedicated to my stay at The Chapter Barn if you want to read up more about it, and it's wonderful owner, Mel. We also hosted an entire elopement workshop on this property which you can check out here. In all, The Chapter Barn is more than a space, it feels like home. Newly built next to the Airbnb is a fully functional wedding space for those seeking an intimate wedding on this gorgeous property (jaw dropping). Ps. please bring me along!
My beautiful couple Joanna and Luke eloped at this property in Lorne and it was just divine. The location was perfect and central to the Great Ocean Rd, and all the beautiful elopement spots associated with that. The hosts were gracious and so accomodating to these two as they eloped with just their immediate family. You can check out their elopement story and blog post here.
Tasmania
Image credit to Ben Sowry from Missy & Michaels Elopement
Captains rest is one of the most published Airbnb's in the world. So I love that it's on an island at the bottom of Australia in beautiful remote, Strahan. With the privilege to stay here myself, this place holds more than beautiful pieces, it holds memories of people who have travelled through and encourages a beautiful, reflective journey when you stay. Open to elopements, its perfect to then spend a few days to relax after your elopement.
Image credit to The Point, BytheWilde, Heart and Colour
Image credit to BytheWilde
New South Wales
I think pictures say more than I could ever describe for this property. With a 7 night minimum book, it's the place to go if you really want to treat yourself. On one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country, this space overlooks rolling fields. With every amenity you could hope for, you wouldn't want to leave here once you arrived.
With the ability to host 8, this is the perfect Airbnb for weekend celebrations with your most close knit. Or, just hire the whole place for yourself. Mudgee is known for it's incredible wineries located in the area.
This Airbnb is a tuscan dream, it doesn't even feel like you are in Australia anymore. With the ability to sleep 14 adults, it boats the space for a wonderful intimate wedding or elopement. With an abundance of photography nooks. Based in Kangaroo Valley, it is filled with wildlife and national parks for you to explore along, these could also double up as your ceremony or portrait locations on your elopement day. Spending a few days here post elopement is a must to soak it up.
This hidden gem is an absolute historic cottage dream. It used to hold the Kangaroo Valley times, later being remodelled into a home, using many of the original furnishings this Airbnb is littered with artwork and thoughtful artefacts. Close to the highlands and south coast, you will not have a lack of options for places to explore. With the ability to sleep two, this is perfect to host your elopement dinner and then spend a romantic night with your partner as you soak up wedded bliss.
We know that not every Airbnb has the ability to host a wedding or elopement, however they may be equally beautiful to stay at or host your elopement dinner (just you two) and enjoy a honeymoon period. Here are some of those picks below:
Queensland
These images by Carly Kelly speak for themselves. This Airbnb also has a tub in the back and beautiful touches throughout the whole house. If you are looking for something that feels like home yet still can bring elegance depending on the way you style it, this is your place to be.
Retro goodness of your dreams. The Mysa Motel has several different rooms to pick from depending on the vibe you are after for your elopement. With a Vegas styled pool, photos will never look cooler.
A frames can be used to uniquely for a pretty special elopement. The first image represents how you could elope in the A frame, inspiration drawn from PNW photography Henry Tieu. The perfect spot if you are looking for something like a cabin in the woods vibes, with your own touch on styling. If you elope here, please make sure to bring me with!
We know that not every Airbnb has the ability to host a wedding or elopement, however they may be equally beautiful to stay at or host your elopement dinner (just you two) and enjoy a honeymoon period. Here are some of those picks below:
South Australia
Fleurieu Peninsula
Fleurieu Peninsula has incredible mars like landscapes. This Airbnb is beautiful to set up a gorgeous outdoor ceremony, and then you can head out to the coast for portraits.
Flinders Ranges National Park
One look at that view and you'd be sold. Get married at the Airbnb, in the Airbnb or on the mountains, anything will be worth it for that view.
Coorong National Park
Airbnb's you can elope at in Australia
Northern Territory
I need to preface that Northern Territory is worth the trip, however Airbnb's can only really be found in Alice Springs (south) and then up North. To fully explore and enjoy the landscapes camping, campervaning and 4x4 is the way to go. However I have listed a number of central Airbnb's you could book as a base and then go exploring from there. If you want to elope at Uluru you can get a permit here, permits are needed for any area in the park & some areas cannot be used as they are sacred.
